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Major League Baseball’s long-discussed expansion plans appear to be moving closer to reality, and two cities have increasingly separated themselves from the competition. As MLB works toward eventually growing from 30 to 32 teams, Nashville and Salt Lake City are widely viewed as the leading candidates to land the league’s two future franchises.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has previously made it clear that expansion is one of the major goals he hopes to address before retiring, and current projections suggest new teams could begin play around the 2032 or 2033 seasons. While other cities remain in the race, momentum appears to be building rapidly around these two frontrunners.
MORE: Blue Jays lose 2 All-Star players mid-game Sunday
Dec 8, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with the media during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings. At Signia by Hilton Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Nashville has long been discussed as a natural expansion destination, and many around baseball now consider it the favorite to land the Eastern franchise. The effort is being driven by Music City Baseball, which has spent years building support for bringing baseball to Tennessee. The proposed franchise name, the Nashville Stars, would pay tribute to the city’s Negro Leagues history and give the organization a connection to baseball’s past.
The city also offers a growing population and a demonstrated ability to support professional sports organizations. Nashville already features successful franchises, including the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators. Supporters believe those factors make the city an ideal long-term fit for Major League Baseball.
On the Western side, Salt Lake City has quickly gained significant momentum. The expansion effort has been led by the Larry H. Miller Company, and the proposed project has generated considerable attention throughout the league.
A major reason for the excitement centers around the proposed $3.5 billion “Power District” development plan, which includes a stadium site that is already viewed as ready for future use. Infrastructure and preparation often play major roles in expansion decisions, and Salt Lake City’s ability to present a detailed vision may give it a significant advantage over competing markets. Many now see the city as the clear frontrunner for the Western expansion team.
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the 2025 MLB World Series. Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Adding two new teams would dramatically reshape Major League Baseball’s structure. Manfred’s goal reportedly involves placing one expansion franchise in the East and one in the West, creating a balanced 32-team league. However, that would likely trigger major divisional changes.
Current franchises could be shifted geographically, new divisions may need restructuring, and scheduling adjustments would almost certainly follow. While those details remain uncertain, expansion would create one of the largest organizational changes MLB has experienced in decades.
Expansion has been discussed for years, but momentum around the process feels stronger than ever. If the current timeline holds, baseball fans could see entirely new franchises taking the field by the early 2030s.
For now, Nashville and Salt Lake City appear to have positioned themselves at the front of the line. The only question remaining may be whether anyone else can close the gap before Major League Baseball officially makes its move.
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Commissioner Rob Manfred has previously made it clear that expansion is one of the major goals he hopes to address before retiring, and current projections suggest new teams could begin play around the 2032 or 2033 seasons. While other cities remain in the race, momentum appears to be building rapidly around these two frontrunners.
MORE: Blue Jays lose 2 All-Star players mid-game Sunday
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Dec 8, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks with the media during the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings. At Signia by Hilton Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Nashville Continues to Lead the Race in the East
Nashville has long been discussed as a natural expansion destination, and many around baseball now consider it the favorite to land the Eastern franchise. The effort is being driven by Music City Baseball, which has spent years building support for bringing baseball to Tennessee. The proposed franchise name, the Nashville Stars, would pay tribute to the city’s Negro Leagues history and give the organization a connection to baseball’s past.
The city also offers a growing population and a demonstrated ability to support professional sports organizations. Nashville already features successful franchises, including the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators. Supporters believe those factors make the city an ideal long-term fit for Major League Baseball.
Salt Lake City Has Become the Favorite in the West
On the Western side, Salt Lake City has quickly gained significant momentum. The expansion effort has been led by the Larry H. Miller Company, and the proposed project has generated considerable attention throughout the league.
A major reason for the excitement centers around the proposed $3.5 billion “Power District” development plan, which includes a stadium site that is already viewed as ready for future use. Infrastructure and preparation often play major roles in expansion decisions, and Salt Lake City’s ability to present a detailed vision may give it a significant advantage over competing markets. Many now see the city as the clear frontrunner for the Western expansion team.
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Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the 2025 MLB World Series. Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Expansion Would Create Significant Realignment
Adding two new teams would dramatically reshape Major League Baseball’s structure. Manfred’s goal reportedly involves placing one expansion franchise in the East and one in the West, creating a balanced 32-team league. However, that would likely trigger major divisional changes.
Current franchises could be shifted geographically, new divisions may need restructuring, and scheduling adjustments would almost certainly follow. While those details remain uncertain, expansion would create one of the largest organizational changes MLB has experienced in decades.
MLB’s Future Could Soon Look Very Different
Expansion has been discussed for years, but momentum around the process feels stronger than ever. If the current timeline holds, baseball fans could see entirely new franchises taking the field by the early 2030s.
For now, Nashville and Salt Lake City appear to have positioned themselves at the front of the line. The only question remaining may be whether anyone else can close the gap before Major League Baseball officially makes its move.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
